As the annual California Strawberry Festival approaches, festival organizers are on the hunt for the best no-bake (although use of a grill, fryer, or stovetop is A-okay) strawberry recipes around. Recipe submissions must be received by Friday, May 4, from which five finalists will be selected. The lucky five will then compete in the Berry Blast Off-a timed, Iron Chef-type challenge-on Tuesday, May 8, in the professional kitchen of the Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard, where they’ll get one hour to prepare and present their strawberry treats to the judges (lucky folks that they are). No advance prep is allowed. From there, two challengers will move on to compete for the grand-prize cruise; this final round of competition will take place during the festival’s weekend (May 19-20). For info, visit strawberry-fest.org.
